'It's All About Love and the Family'

Hasani Walters, Sunday Gleaner Writer

One day before Valentine's Day, 'It's All About Love and the Family' rolls on to the lawns of King's House to provide a fun, entertaining night for children and adults.

Among the acts to grace the stage are Toots Hibbert, Karen Smith, Judy Emmanuel, Courtney Fadlin, Kevin Bailey, Touch of Elegance, Teena Tamara, and Christine Haber.

Each year, Robert and Jenieve Bailey organise the show, which they believe has an impact on the lives of patrons.

"Well, we have seen the change it has brought to so many lives over the years. That's what really drives us to continue. Marriages which were on the rocks have got better in some sense after coming to the concert," said Jenieve Bailey, one of the organisers.

She continued, "Also, one of our main focuses is letting young people know that love is real and you can have it all."

The concert, now in its seventh year, has expanded this year to include in its title 'and the Family'.

According to Bailey, the reason for this was the need for children to be recognised as being a part of the family and realising that the actions of adults affect children.

"We included children because we realised that our children are also being affected by what happens in the home. They are a part of the family as well, they know what is happening. We thought it was important to add the children to such a wonderful event," she said.

Part proceeds of the event will go to the St Monica's Home for children affected by AIDS, and troubled teenagers from the Spanish Town, Riverton, and Seaview areas.

Bailey said patrons can expect the evening to take them down memory lane as every artiste who will be performing at the concert will be doing songs couples can relate to.

"We know strong families equal a strong nation, so we are all for that. Unless we do things together, then our country will not get better," she said.

This year marks 20 years of ministry for Robert and Jenieve, and the concert is just the first of many events which they will do this year.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at Music Mart, Source of Light, Portmore Mall Pharmacy, CLC Bookstore, and Monarch Pharmacy in the Sovereign Centre.